Middle English Dictionary Entry
slī̆k(e adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | slī̆k(e adj. Also (in place name) slicke. |
| Etymology | ?OE *slice; cp. ME slī̆ken v.(1). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Sleek, smooth; ~ doun, slicked down, lying smooth (upon the back); ~ ston, q.v.; (b) plump, fat; (c) in surname and place names [see Smith PNElem.2.129]; (d) as adv.: deceitfully.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.351 : If the cattes skyn be slyk and gay She wol nat dwelle in house half a day.
- (c1410) York MGame (Vsp B.12)25 : Whan he [roebuck] hathe renne longe, he leithe his heer slyke doun and nat stondyng ne rugged.
- a1425(?a1400) RRose (Htrn 409)542 : Hir flesh tendre as is a chike, With bent browis smothe and slyke.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)459 : Slyke, or smothe: Lenis.
- a1500(c1410) Dives & P.(Htrn 270)2.309 : Þe basenet wel arayyd is clene furbuschyd from rust & maad slyk and smoþe þat schot and strokys mon sone glydyn of.
b
- (?1440) Palladius (DukeH d.2)1.689 : In dayes thries x, let make hem [chickens] slyke And faat ynough, so that theyr appetite Be seruyd wel.
c
- (1181) in Mawer PNNhb.& Dur.182 : Slickeburn.
- (c1190) in Mawer PNNhb.& Dur.182 : Slikesburne.
- (1347-8) in Sundby Dial.Wor.148 : Will. Slykeberd.
- c1381(1183) Boldon Bk.(PRO SC 12/21/28)40 : Slikburne.
d
- (c1300) Havelok (LdMisc 108)1157 : Godrich..seyde til hire, [false] and slike, Þat wicke þral, þat foule swike, [etc.].